In January of ’09 I spotted Santana at SFO near a baggage carousel. Without hesitation I walked up to him. Handing him a Metblogs card I asked, “What would you like our readers to know?’ Graciously he spent time talking with me. I learned of his commitment to children, and that Carlos and his family established “The Milagro Foundation”.

On Thursday, March 18, 2010 Mayor Gavin Newsom will present Carlos Santana with the Mayor’s Art Award: “Carlos Santana is without a doubt one of San Francisco’s most beloved icons,” said Mayor Gavin Newsom. “When he burst onto the scene with his extraordinary new sound he solidified San Francisco’s position as one of the main stages in the history of rock ‘n’ roll. His music transcends not only musical genres, but also cultural, geographical and political boundaries, and he has brought millions of people together through his art. He is also an artist who gives back to his community. It is my great honor to present the 2010 Mayor’s Art Award to Carlos Santana for his commitment to improving the lives of others and for his tremendous contributions to music.”

Unfortunately, the event which is sponsored by the San Francisco Examiner is private. I believe that the city missed an opportunity. By opening the event to the public some serious money could have been raised – possibly for Mr. Santana’s foundation.